Lu and the Swamp Ghost

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
Political pundit James Carville teams up with Patricia McKissack and illustrator David Catrow for a down-home, Depression-era yarn about a little girl who faces a swampy "spirit." Headed up with an author's note about his mother and his own childhood in Louisiana, Carville's Cajun story introduces fans to Lucille Ray-Jean, nicknamed Lu, who's always "been as curious as a Louisiana judge" and feels lonely because she doesn't have one good friend. On a journey into the swamp, Lu meets a leaf-and-mud-covered "swamp ghost" who orders her to fetch him a slew of pork chops and other food over the course of a few days. Lu eventually suspects that the ghost is more than it appears, and when a treacherous storm hits the bayou, the ghost comes to her rescue and reveals his true identity. Notable for its well-rounded, lightly suspenseful storytelling and Catrow's signature illustrative style, which always includes an ample dose of humor, Carville's picture book is a true treat to read and a surefire complement to other southern-flavored fare. Children will learn a gentle lesson about friendship and life in the South, while the family dog's antics and expressions will keep them in stitches. A fun addition to other Louisiana-set books, such as Coleen Salley's Epossumondas and Candace Fleming's Gator Gumbo. Matt Warner

ANNOTATION

During the Depression in the Louisiana bayou, a curious young girl helps the "Swamp Ghost" that her cousins warned her about and finds herself with one good friend.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

During the Depression, as Lu checks Papa's turkey traps in the cypress woods, she comes across someone -- or something -- covered from head to toe in mud. Lu has heard about the Swamp Ghost who gobbles up nosy little girls, but she's never met him before. Just to make sure she's not swallowed whole, Lu does as the creature wishes: She brings him cornbread and beans, a slice of country ham, and anything else she can sneak out of the house. But soon Lu comes to realize that this Swamp Ghost just plain isn't scary -- in fact he looks an awful lot like a boy down on his luck and in need of a friend.

This story -- featuring the deliciously playful artwork of David Catrow -- is inspired by an episode in the Louisiana childhood of James Carville's mother. The book includes a CD read by Carville in his inimitable voice.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Inspired by the colorful storytelling style and kind actions of his southern mother, political consultant Carville (aided by McKissack) spins a Depression-era yarn set in the Louisiana bayou about life's true riches. Young Lucille Ray-Jean, Lu for short, always has plenty to eat, and is usually busy as a bee in a hive, just like the rest of her family as they tend to their house, garden or animals. That's why Lu is confused by the talk in town about the Depression. After all, as Lu's Mama says, "You're never poor if you have a loving family and one good friend." With that thought in mind, Lu bravely befriends and feeds a creature covered in mud, leaves and twigs that she believes to be "a genuine, for-real swamp ghost." First impressions prove false however; after she offers the creature food and shelter, she discovers its true identity. Lu's innocent selflessness and genuine, sweet nature set this story apart from similar tales and give its message resonance. And the pacing is just right for settin' a spell on the back porch. Catrow's (Take Me Out of the Bathtub) watercolor-and-pencil compositions have a wiry, loose line that matches the air of gentleness and subtle wonder in the narrative. His slimy swamp critters, including all manner of bugs, give the proceedings an appropriate hum. He even includes a separate and funny visual story line for Lu's dog. A CD recording of Carville reading the text in his familiar drawl is included. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature - Barbara Youngblood

The author tells the reader that, this story was originally told to him by his mother in rural Louisiana. Lu is a delightful little girl who decided she might be just a little poor, even though the family seems to be working together well to survive the Depression years. She has lots of loving family but does not have one good friend. While helping her Papa check turkey traps one day in the swamp, Lu comes face to face with a swamp ghost. Terrified of what the ghost might do, Lu obeys his command to bring food to him the next day. The animals of the Louisiana swamp are displayed lovingly and the story does have the happiest of endings. The book is accompanied by a compact disc of the story recorded by author Carville with his distinctive southern drawl. This is a wonderful tale with great read aloud possibilities. 2004, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Ages 4 to 8.

School Library Journal

K-Gr 4-When Lu's mama tells her that, "You're never poor if you have a loving family and one good friend," the child figures she's maybe a little poor because she has lots of family but no real friend. Then one day, when she traipses off to the swamp with Papa, Lu encounters a "Swamp Ghost." She takes him food and he rescues her when she's in danger, and a friendship is forged. Carville tells this humorous Depression-era story of a feisty protagonist and a boy trying to survive with gusto. Catrow's wildly bright watercolor-and-pencil illustrations fill the pages with wonderful swamp critters and an indomitable red-haired heroine. Also included is a CD of Carville reading the story. A fun selection for home and storytime enjoyment.-Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews